This article describes possible side effects of vilazodone oral tablet. To learn more about vilazodone, including the drug’s uses, dosages, and more, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Vilazodone oral tablet is a generic version of the brand-name drug Viibryd.
Boxed warning: Risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors
Vilazodone oral tablet has a boxed warning for the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in children and young adults ages 24 years and younger. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
For details, see the “Side effects of vilazodone in detail” section below.
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More common side effects of vilazodone
Vilazodone oral tablet may cause mild or serious side effects. Below are some of the more common side effects of this medication.
Commonly reported side effects of vilazodone oral tablet include:
- diarrhea
- dizziness
- dry mouth
- nausea or vomiting
- trouble sleeping
Mild side effects of vilazodone
Vilazodone may cause certain mild side effects. Usually, mild side effects are temporary and are easily manageable. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have side effects that don’t go away or become bothersome.
Mild side effects reported with vilazodone oral tablet include:
- abdominal pain
- diarrhea
- dizziness
- drowsiness
- dry mouth
- fatigue
- gas
- headache
- increased appetite
- increased weight
- indigestion
- joint pain
- nausea or vomiting
- trouble sleeping
- unusual dreams
- mild allergic reaction*
* An allergic reaction is possible with vilazodone oral tablet. But it wasn’t reported in the drug’s studies. To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects of vilazodone in detail” section below.
Vilazodone oral tablet may cause more mild side effects than those listed above. For details, see the drug’s prescribing information.
Serious side effects of vilazodone
Vilazodone may cause certain serious side effects. If you have any serious side effects from vilazodone oral tablet, call your doctor right away. But if you think you’re having a medical emergency or your side effects feel life threatening, take immediate action. Call 911 or a local emergency number, or go to the nearest emergency room.
After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug, it tracks and reviews side effects of the medication. Visit MedWatch’s website if you’d like to notify the FDA about a side effect you’ve had with vilazodone.
Serious side effects reported with vilazodone oral tablet include:
* Vilazodone oral tablet has a boxed warning for this side effect. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the FDA. To learn more, see the “Side effects of vilazodone in detail” section below.
† To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects of vilazodone in detail” section below.
‡ An allergic reaction is possible with vilazodone oral tablet. But it wasn’t reported in the drug’s studies.
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Common questions about side effects of vilazodone
Here are answers to some common questions about side effects of vilazodone oral tablet. If you have other questions, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Will vilazodone 20 mg cause fewer side effects than vilazodone 40 mg?
No, it isn’t likely that vilazodone oral tablet 20 milligrams (mg) will cause fewer side effects than vilazodone oral tablet 40 mg. People taking vilazodone in studies did not report dose-related side effects. So your risk of side effects is the same with either dose.
If you’re having bothersome side effects, tell your doctor. They may be able to suggest ways to manage them. You can learn more about what to expect with vilazodone oral tablet by talking with your doctor or pharmacist.
Does vilazodone cause long-term side effects?
Long-term side effects aren’t expected with vilazodone oral tablet. In studies, specific side effects weren’t seen in people who had taken the drug for a long time. Also, people did not report long-lasting side effects after treatment ended.
Talk with your doctor if you have more questions about possible long-term side effects with vilazodone.
Side effects of vilazodone in detail
Below you’ll find details on some of the side effects of vilazodone oral tablet.
Risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors
Vilazodone oral tablet has a boxed warning for the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). People taking vilazodone oral tablet in clinical studies did not report this side effect. But it occurred in people after the drug was approved for use.
Taking vilazodone oral tablet may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts or behaviors in children and young adults ages 24 years and younger. The risk is highest in the first few months of treatment and during dosage changes. Keep in mind that depression and other mental health problems can also cause suicidal thoughts and actions.
Symptoms may include changes in thoughts, feelings, behaviors, or mood.
Ways to manage
Due to this boxed warning risk, vilazodone isn’t approved for use in children. Doctors will monitor anyone who starts vilazodone oral tablet for new or worsening mental health symptoms. They’ll also ask family and caregivers to watch for signs and symptoms.
To learn more about this warning, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Suicide prevention
If you or someone you know is in crisis and considering suicide or self-harm, please seek support:
If you’re calling on behalf of someone else, stay with them until help arrives. You may remove weapons or substances that can cause harm if you can do so safely.
If you are not in the same household, stay on the phone with them until help arrives.
Sexual problems
In studies, sexual problems were common in people taking vilazodone oral tablet. This side effect may be serious.
Sexual problems reported with vilazodone oral tablet include:
Ways to manage
If you experience changes in your sexual function, tell your doctor. They can determine the most likely cause and suggest ways to manage it.
Withdrawal symptoms
Withdrawal symptoms are possible if you suddenly stop taking vilazodone oral tablet. This side effect may be serious.
Withdrawal symptoms can occur if your body is dependent on a drug and you stop taking it suddenly. With dependence, your body needs the drug in order to function like usual.
Withdrawal symptoms may include:
Ways to manage
Don’t stop taking vilazodone oral tablet without talking with your doctor. If you need to stop taking the drug, your doctor will likely reduce your dosage slowly before stopping treatment completely.
For some people, vilazodone oral tablet can cause an allergic reaction. But people taking vilazodone in the drug’s studies did not report this side effect.
Symptoms can be mild or serious, and they may include:
- itchiness
- skin rash
- swelling under the skin, usually affecting eyelids, lips, hands, or feet
- swelling of the mouth, tongue, or throat, which can make it hard to breathe
- flushing (temporary warmth, redness, or deepening of skin color)
Ways to manage
For mild allergic reaction symptoms, such as a mild rash, call your doctor right away. They may recommend treatments to help manage your symptoms. They’ll also let you know whether you should keep taking the medication.
For severe allergic reaction symptoms, such as swelling or trouble breathing, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. These symptoms require immediate medical care because they can become life threatening. If you’ve had a serious allergic reaction to vilazodone oral tablet, your doctor may recommend taking a different medication instead.
Warnings for vilazodone
Below are some factors you may want to discuss with your doctor before taking vilazodone oral tablet.
Boxed warning: Risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors
Vilazodone has a boxed warning for the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the FDA.
For details, see the “Side effects of vilazodone in detail” section above.
Other warnings
It may not be safe for you to take vilazodone oral tablet if you have specific health conditions. These are sometimes called drug-condition interactions. Other things may also affect whether vilazodone oral tablet is a safe treatment option for you.
Before taking vilazodone oral tablet, tell your doctor about your health and any medications you take. Things to consider include:
- alcohol use
- current or past bleeding problems
- current or past seizures or epilepsy
- glaucoma
- low sodium levels
- personal or family history of bipolar disorder
- sexual problems
- past allergic reaction to vilazodone
- past suicidal thoughts or behaviors*
* Vilazodone oral tablet has a boxed warning for this side effect. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the FDA. To learn more, see the “Side effects of vilazodone in detail” section above.
Vilazodone and pregnancy
It is unknown whether you should take vilazodone oral tablet during pregnancy. If you’re planning a pregnancy or can become pregnant, talk with your doctor before taking this medication.
Your doctor may talk with you about the National Pregnancy Registry for Antidepressants. It monitors outcomes of vilazodone use during pregnancy. You can register by calling 866-961-2388 or visiting this website.
Vilazodone and breastfeeding
It is unknown whether you should take vilazodone oral tablet while breastfeeding. If you’re currently breastfeeding or planning to do so, talk with your doctor before taking this medication.
Vilazodone oral tablet is known to interact with alcohol.
Drinking alcohol while taking vilazodone oral tablet can increase the severity of some side effects. This includes dizziness, sleepiness, and nausea. Drinking alcohol can also worsen some symptoms of depression.
If you drink alcohol, talk with your doctor about whether it’s safe to consume it during your treatment with vilazodone oral tablet.
What to ask your doctor
This article describes common and serious side effects of vilazodone oral tablet. If your doctor prescribes this medication, they can discuss possible side effects with you. Let your doctor know if you have concerns or questions about treatment with this medication.
Here’s a list of some possible questions you may want to ask your doctor:
- How do the side effects of vilazodone oral tablet compare with other antidepressants?
- Do I have a higher risk of side effects than other people?
- How can I manage the most common side effects of vilazodone oral tablet?
Disclaimer: Optum Perks has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.
